Thursday, December 17, 2009

How many years had it been? Well over thirty by Emma’s own account. Many life events had occurred in that period of time ~ years of college, graduate and post-graduate study; the eventual Ph.D; the beginning and establishment of a long and successful career; love found, love lost; love found again; marriage; and in recent years, the death of a beloved spouse. Yet, all along the way, much happiness and laughter, albeit sprinkled with times of adversity and sorrow. All in all, however, a very good life. One might even say a rich, full, and rewarding life.

But thirty years!?! What would he say? Better question, what would she say? Even with these and many other thoughts whirling around in her mind, she decided to do it. This time she listened with her heart, and not necessarily her head. This time.

After about an hour of research on the Internet, Emma found an address and a phone number that seemed likely. She mentally went over her short introductory speech that included several “what ifs”: What if he hung up on her? What if he cursed her? (After all, he had a right to do so.) Worst of all, what if he didn’t remember her? While these scenarios played out in her overactive imagination, what she really thought was, “Who cares? I’m going to call him.”

It was Saturday night around 7:30 p.m. As she dialed the unfamiliar long distance number, she was thinking, “He’ll probably be out. Or he may be at home with his wife. I wonder if he’s still married?” If so, the conversation would be very brief, as she assured herself, “I’m not going THERE!”

“Hello?” The voice was low and soft, as if the person had just woken up from sleep or a long nap.

“Hello. This is Emma. Emma Carson. (Silence.) You may remember me as Emma Long.”

It took a few seconds, but the recognition was there. And then …

They talked and talked – for well over an hour. It was a comfortable, easy talk. Just questions about life, work, the usual things. “Do you remember…?” “Whatever happened to …?” It was fun playing “catch up” for a while.

No, he was no longer married. (WHEW!) Divorced. Apparently the wife had been a “piece”. Emma shared a bit concerning the loss of her husband. They each talked of some health issues. Their very conversation seemed to breathe an air of mutual sympathy and caring.

After hanging up, she felt she’d done the right thing. Just checking up on an old friend. Well, maybe slightly more than an “old friend”, but that’s what it felt like: a visit with an old friend.

The next day was church. As Emma listened to the pastor, he talked about the service they’d have on Christmas Eve. He asked the congregants to consider inviting someone to church who might not otherwise have a place to worship. Emma immediately thought of him. But calling again? So soon?

“Wanna go to the school dance with me? Huh? Huh? Pretty please?!?”

NO!

Way too junior high school-ish.

YIKES! Double YIKES!! Triple YIKES!!!

Being a very resourceful woman, she did the next best thing: she wrote one of her highly articulate letters. A concisely conceived, yet warm and inviting letter explaining about the service and asking if he’d like to attend.

“I’m writing this to give you more time to think aboutwhat I want to ask you. I thought about asking ina phone conversation, but felt that might be awkward.No expectations, no pressure. Just one nice, good,friendly person asking another nice, good, friendlyperson to a worship service.”

After mailing it, she thought about how all this might seem to him. After all, it had been over thirty years. Would he consider her to be an interloper into his life? While the phone conversation had gone well – each expressing enjoyment of it – inviting him for a visit was quite a different thing than picking up the phone for a chat.

At this point, all she could do was to wait for his response. Sooner hopefully than later, Emma would discover if she were a Christmas Interloper. With fingers crossed, she hoped that, if so, she would at least be a welcomed one. After all...this is the Season of Miracles.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

This entry actually comes from the Domino Calendar I created in 2008 to give as Christmas gifts. The calendar was wildly successful, and so I share the December 2008 page with you at this time.

Christmas is for most people a time of being together with family and friends; the sharing of special meals; the observance of familiar traditions; and perhaps a time for the exchanging of gifts. It will be no different for Domino and me as we make our travel plans to be with family members. My sister’s dressing somehow is imprinted on my taste buds and I can hardly wait for the delectable feast she conjures up at the holiday time.

It is also at this time of year that our thoughts turn to the blessings in our lives. I would like to share some of mine at this time and I encourage you to do the same. As the old saying goes, “Get rich quickly. Count your blessings!”

A Moment of Wonder: I share with you my blessings – knowing each of you are a part of those blessings.

2009 has been "A Year of Blessings"

God’s providence in my life(enough food, clothing, transportation, and adequate housing)Family, FriendsDominoA job that is rewarding and challengingGood health and adequate health careA church home and family whereby I may worship and fellowship

Domino and I wish you a veryMerry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Monday, December 7, 2009

This past weekend, my sister and her youngest offspring came for a visit. If you follow my blog, you'll know that Terry and Matthew were the first family Domino had. Naturally, my sister and Matthew were eager to visit Domino, and Domino wriggled in excitement when I told him who was coming to visit!

It was a joyous reunion -- Domino's paws hardly touched the ground the entire time they were here. Extra arms to love and hold that precious pup! And he gobbled up all that attention. Note Domino wedged in my arms and huddled up to stay warm! What a pup!

My sister and I had some very good quality "sister time". Thanks, Terry, for your help in acquiring my new MYTHIC PHONE I am, indeed, loving it! But mostly I love the time we spent together.

About Me

By profession, I am a librarian and musician. I hold a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX); a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX); and a Master of Science in Library & Information Sciences from University of North Texas (Denton, TX). I am fortunate to earn my living while working in my two chosen fields. I am a librarian for a private Christian school in Fort Worth, and serve as an accompanist for a Methodist church in southwest Fort Worth where I also maintain a small, but select piano studio and live with my beloved Chihuahuas, Domino and Lady. On March 15, 2010, during my Spring Break, I married my high school sweetheart, with whom I reconnected during the 2009 holidays -- thanks to the Internet! After over 36 years, we've found our love once again! "First love, second chance" definitely describes us!!!
On March 31, Teddy and I welcomed into our home another Chihuahua! Lady is a 2 year-old, short-haired, fawn colored, female Chi. Thus far she is living up to her name and is a sweet Little Lady.
Our family is now complete!!!